Diabetes and hyperglycemia as risk factors for postoperative outcome in maxillofacial surgery.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of complications in maxillofacial surgery in-patients in correlation to diabetes mellitus or a pathologically altered glucose metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients' electronic health records were analyzed retrospectively. Diabetes mellitus anamnesis, the treatment regime, blood glucose levels, and the duration of inpatient treatment were recorded. Glucose readings ≥200 mg/dL measured at any time and fasting glucose levels of ≥110 mg/dL were defined as hyperglycemic. Noted complications were infection, dehiscence, swelling, and necrosis. RESULTS: 8.7% out of 1374 patients had a known diabetes diagnosis. 13.0% had high fasting glucose and 11.4% aberrant maximum glucose readings. Complications did not occur more often in patients with a previously known diabetes but more often in patients with high maximum blood glucose levels. Of these patients, only 56.3% were known diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus does not necessarily lead to higher frequency of complications in surgical patients. Moreover, patients with well-controlled diabetes seem to have a similar outcome compared to nondiabetics. Hyperglycemia however has an important impact on treatment outcome.